Introducing BirdBrain Technologies into your school can spark creativity, critical thinking, and excitement in STEM learning. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, tech coordinator, or school administrator, this guide gives you a precise, actionable path to bring BirdBrain’s tools—like the Finch Robot and Hummingbird Robotics Kit—into your curriculum effectively.
Understand What BirdBrain Technologies Offers
BirdBrain Technologies designs educational robotics tools that combine engineering, coding, and creativity. Their two main products include:
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Finch Robot 2.0: A ready-to-use robot that teaches coding through block and text programming (e.g., Scratch, Python).
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Hummingbird Robotics Kit: A modular kit that helps students design, build, and program robots with motors, sensors, and LEDs.
These tools support cross-curricular, hands-on learning from elementary through high school.
Determine the Right Tool for Your Students
Match tools to grade levels and skills:
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Finch Robot works best for K–12. It’s easy for beginners but offers depth for advanced learners.
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Hummingbird Kit suits grades 4–12 and supports open-ended robotics and design challenges.
Start with the Finch for simple programming. Move to the Hummingbird when students are ready to build and engineer their own robots.
Get Support from Administration
Before implementation, share your plan with school leaders. Highlight:
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Learning goals: Show how robotics aligns with STEM, coding, and NGSS/ISTE standards.
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Budget needs: Explain the cost per classroom and include potential funding sources (grants, PTA, donors).
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Equity: Emphasize how BirdBrain tools support inclusive, hands-on learning for all students.
Provide data or case studies showing how other schools benefit from using BirdBrain products.
Secure Funding or Grants
BirdBrain tools are a long-term investment. To afford them:
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Use school tech budgets.
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Apply for STEM or innovation grants (e.g., DonorsChoose, local education foundations).
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Partner with the PTA or community sponsors.
BirdBrain’s website also lists grant opportunities and funding guides. Don’t forget to include accessories like tablets, craft materials, and storage bins.
Order the Right Kits
Decide how many robots or kits you’ll need. Consider:
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Class size: One Finch per student or pair. One Hummingbird Kit per group (2–3 students).
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Grade levels: Use separate kits per class or rotate kits between classrooms.
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Instructional goals: Order different kits based on whether you want to teach coding basics or advanced robotics.
BirdBrain offers classroom bundles with lesson plans, charging stations, and educator guides.
Prepare Your Classroom
Set up a learning-friendly environment:
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Create robot zones or maker spaces.
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Use storage bins for keeping tools organized.
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Label each robot or kit to manage student use.
Make sure your classroom has enough power outlets, device chargers, and space for team collaboration.
Complete Teacher Training
BirdBrain provides free and paid professional development:
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Self-paced online courses: Learn programming, hardware setup, and classroom integration.
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Webinars: Join live or recorded sessions with expert educators.
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Lesson libraries: Access ready-to-use activities aligned with standards.
Start with BirdBrain’s Getting Started guides. These are concise, visual, and designed for busy teachers.
Download Compatible Software
Before using Finch or Hummingbird in class, install the right programs:
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Finch Robot: Works with FinchBlox, MakeCode, Snap!, Python, Java, etc.
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Hummingbird Kit: Compatible with BirdBlox, MakeCode, Snap!, and Arduino.
BirdBrain provides clear download instructions and compatibility charts on its website.
Make sure your classroom devices (Chromebooks, iPads, Windows/Mac PCs) can run the needed software. Test everything before the first student session.
Start with Simple Activities
Begin with small, engaging projects:
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Finch: Program the robot to draw shapes, move in a maze, or respond to light.
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Hummingbird: Build a blinking light system or simple animated creature.
Use BirdBrain’s curriculum library to select activities by grade level and subject. This allows students to build confidence before moving on to more complex challenges.
Integrate into Core Subjects
Robotics isn’t just for STEM. BirdBrain tools fit into multiple subjects:
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Math: Program robots to measure angles or distance.
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Science: Build models showing ecosystems or simple machines.
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Language arts: Create robotic storytelling scenes.
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Art: Design interactive sculptures or light displays.
Encourage interdisciplinary projects to maximize creativity and learning impact.
Encourage Student Collaboration
BirdBrain tools work best when students collaborate. Promote teamwork by:
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Creating 2–3 student groups per kit.
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Assigning rotating roles (coder, builder, tester).
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Encouraging peer teaching and troubleshooting.
This approach builds communication, leadership, and design thinking.
Emphasize Problem-Solving
Let students explore and troubleshoot. Robotics fosters resilience and curiosity. Instead of giving answers, ask questions:
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“What’s your robot supposed to do?”
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“What’s happening now?”
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“What could you try next?”
Celebrate failures as learning steps. Use challenges and competitions to build engagement.
Track Progress and Assess Learning
Use rubrics to assess:
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Team collaboration
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Coding skills
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Creativity and design
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Problem-solving process
You can also use video reflections, journals, or coding logs as formative assessments.
Adapt for All Learners
BirdBrain tools support students with diverse learning needs:
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Use visual coding tools (like BirdBlox) for beginners or younger students.
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Offer text-based coding (like Python) for advanced learners.
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Modify physical materials for students with motor or sensory needs.
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Use project-based formats to give students voice and choice.
Check BirdBrain’s Accessibility Resources for more ideas.
Showcase Student Work
Let students present projects to peers, families, and the community. Ideas include:
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STEM fairs
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Video demos
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Classroom showcases
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School newsletters or social media
Sharing success boosts student confidence and promotes your robotics program.
Join the BirdBrain Educator Community
Stay inspired and connected:
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Share your classroom wins on social media with #BirdBrainTech.
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Join the BirdBrain Educators Facebook Group.
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Attend webinars, conferences, or summer workshops.
Learning from other teachers can help you grow and innovate.
Expand with Advanced Projects
Once students master basics, move to:
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Real-world design challenges
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Robotics competitions
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Interdisciplinary capstone projects
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Student-led tutorials or coding clubs
BirdBrain tools scale with your students’ growth, supporting both beginners and advanced learners.
Keep Kits Updated and Maintained
Protect your investment:
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Recharge batteries regularly.
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Store robots and kits properly.
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Check software updates each semester.
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Replace worn-out parts (BirdBrain sells extras).
Assign student tech managers to help with maintenance and inventory.
Scale Across Your School or District
Once you’ve piloted BirdBrain in one classroom:
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Offer training to other teachers.
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Share project templates and guides.
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Organize school-wide robotics weeks or challenges.
BirdBrain can be part of your school’s vision for 21st-century, hands-on learning.
Reflect and Iterate
After your first semester, reflect:
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What worked well?
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What challenges did students face?
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How did students grow?
Gather feedback and adjust. Robotics is iterative—just like learning.
Final Thoughts
Starting with BirdBrain Technologies doesn’t require advanced coding skills or a tech lab. It just takes curiosity, structure, and a willingness to let students lead. With simple robots, clear lesson plans, and creative freedom, your school can turn classrooms into innovation hubs—one Finch or Hummingbird at a time.